Any danger of creating a rust problem by doing this? (By inadvertently
creating water traps)
Sounds like a neat idea though.

Todd
'88 Westy

Gary Stearns wrote:

> I have used the foam spray and it does make a difference. I used it
> almost entirely in the frame channels beneath the van rather than
> above in the passenger compartment.  I did learn a few things that
> might be useful.  First is that it creates a closed cell foam that
> will not absorb or hold water.  The thing to be careful of is that you
> don't block and drainage channels.  Next even though I used the
> "minimal expansion" version, it expands alot.  Plan on having to cut
> it away from places where it grows out of it's intended location.  In
> the channels below the van where I put it, it didn't expand or buckle
> any metal.  It might though with the lighter sheet metal in the
> passenger compartment.  I'd suggest doing a little at a time.  I tried
> to use a small vinyl hose to extend the reach.  No good.  The foam
> expanded too much before it got to the end of the hose.  Within
> seconds it blew the hose off of the can and made a royal mess.  WEAR
> GLOVES.  DON'T WEAR CLOTHES THAT YOU PLAN TO WEAR AGAIN!  When this
> stuff hits skin, it stay for weeks 'till it wears off.  Use all
> caution to keep it from places that you don't want it.  I have never
> seen a more powerful adhesive. I was trying to dampen engine
> vibrations from getting into the cabin.  It took about 4 cans to fill
> all of the channels beneath, but it produced a great improvement in
> noise. Gary
>
>      ----- Original Message -----
>      From: Ron Schlamp
>      To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>      Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2001 11:51 AM
>      Subject: 81 Westy - Heat, Rust & Noise
>       I recently read the article which is titled Heat, Rust and
>      Noise and linked to the Vanagon site.  I found this very
>      informative and I want to try this.  I am wondering if
>      others have tried it and if so what their reactions to it
>      are.  .    I am wondering if it is ok to fill the channels
>      talked about completely with the foam spray.  Should I leave
>      a spot open in the lowest part of each channel for moisture
>      to escape?  Can I use a hose to get the stuff in the channel
>      above my windows in the rear side areas?  Does it matter
>      what expansion type of foam I use?  Will the stuff expand so
>      much as to push out any of the tin, assuming I use it only
>      within the channels and not just in the wall cavities?
>      After opening up some of the panels I see that moisture has
>      been trapped in side.  The bit of yellow insulation I pulled
>      out was damp on the bottom.  I also see a small bit of
>      surface rust on the inside of the cavity at the bottom along
>      with some gunk.  How do I clean this up before putting Kool
>      Patch on?  How do you steam clean?  Also after I have the
>      area clean do I pain the Kool Patch right to the bottom and
>      perhaps up the inside tin of the cavity just a bit to make a
>      bathtub effect in the bottom of the cavity?    I have
>      located the Q-pads at a local retailer, I have not found the
>      Kool Patch as of yet, nor have I found the NASA insulation.
>      Do you have any suggestions in terms of new products that
>      might improve on what you used (I am not sure when you wrote
>      your article)?  I know that 3M makes some great heat barrier
>      kinds of materials.    Sorry for all the questions.  Like
>      anyone who is new to this kind of thing I feel like I really
>      want to do my research, before I do something stupid.Ron
>      Schlamp
>      r.schlamp@sk.sympatico.ca
>